My Genealogy Hound

COL. NATHANIEL ROBARDS WILKES was born in Oxford, Granville Co., N. C., July 26, 1833, son of James H. and Eliza (Robards) Wilkes, who were born in Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. The father removed with his wife and family to this State in 1837, and located in Maury County. Here he farmed and taught school. He served about six years in all as magistrate, and was also superintendent of the county schools two years. He died in 1879. Nathaniel R. Wilkes was reared in Maury County, and graduated from Jackson College in July, 1854. A year later he began the study of law with a view to making it a profession and remained with Frierson & Fleming until 1857. He advanced rapidly in his profession as a lawyer of ability and promise, and for two years was a partner of William H. Polk. At a later period he was associated with N. H. Burt, an eminent member of the Chattanooga bar. From 1865 to 1867 he practiced with H. T. Osborne, and from 1870 to 1872 with J. L. Bullock. Mr. Wilkes is a partner of Mr. Padgett, and his well-established reputation as a lawyer has contributed largely to the success of this firm. Col. Wilkes is a Democrat, but was a Whig previous to the war. He twice enlisted in the Confederate Army, but after a service of ten months he was discharged on account of physical disability contracted during service. In October, 1858, he and Miss Jennie Thompson were united in marriage. Mrs. Wilkes died in 1859, leaving no issue. June 23, 1875, he married Miss Anna Y. Baird, who was born in Nashville. Col. Wilkes is a Mason, Knight Templar degree. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and K. of H. Mrs. Wilkes is an Episcopalian in faith.